Tag ‘Chieko Kojima’
“On Stage in ‘RESONANCE 2014′” by Chieko Kojima
On Stage in “RESONANCE 2014” (Roppongi, Tokyo)
Taking part in this performance was a dream of mine and it finally came true! “Resonance” is an ongoing music & art series directed by former Kodo member Kaoru Watanabe, with artwork and production by TokyoDex. I was really looking forward to joining an array of artists on stage for this unique performance, including a number of former Kodo members who have been truly flourishing as solo artists, and I was also wondering how to show my own true colors as an artist in this challenging “arena.”
The packed venue in Roppongi felt like a whirlpool of passionate energy. The performance was a glorious one-night-only battle of flair, inspiration and improvisation. It was also a chance for me to encounter a new version of myself.
Photos: Maiko Miyagawa
Chieko Kojima Appearance in “RESONANCE 2014”
http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/20140911yoin_en.html
Featuring: Kaoru Watanabe, Kiyohiko Semba, Chieko Kojima (Kodo), Kaori Takahashi, Tetsuro Naito, Shogo Yoshii, Azumi Yamano, and live art by TokyoDex
“Kodo Special Performances on Sado Island 2014: Autumn” Cast Video Message
Here is a video message from the cast of “Kodo Special Performances on Sado Island 2014: Autumn” (in Japanese).
They are saying that they are going to do their best and they look forward to seeing you all there!
Kodo Special Performances on Sado Island 2014: Autumn
Oct. 2 (Thu)–Oct. 5 (Sun), 2014
Shukunegi Community Hall, Ogi Peninsula, Sado Island, Niigata
Appearing: Kodo (Yoshikazu Fujimoto, Chieko Kojima, Motofumi Yamaguchi, Eiichi Saito, Tomohiro Mitome, Ryosuke Inada)
Special Appearance: Yoshie Abe
Start Times:
Oct. 2 (Thu) 15:00
Oct. 3 (Fri) 15:00
Oct. 4 (Sat) 11:00, 15:00
Oct. 5 (Sun) 11:00, 15:00
Ticket Orders: Kodo Ticket Service Tel. 0259-86-2330 (Mon.–Fri., 9:30–17:00), Email: ticket@kodo.or.jp
Inquiries: Kodo Cultural Foundation Tel. 0259-81-4100 (Mon.-Fri., 9:30 – 17:00)
Kodo Website: Kodo Special Performances on Sado Island 2014: Autumn
Chieko Kojima Solo Performance “Yukiai” in Morioka, Iwate
Sep. 13 Chieko Kojima Solo Performance
“Yukiai” at Go no Kai – Michinoku e
In 2013, Chieko Kojima took part in a “Gonokai” five-artist performance event at Sakaguchi Memorial Museum in Niigata. This year, that popular performance unit will take the stage at Nanshoso in Morioka, Iwate.
This will be the first “Yukiai” performance in Northern Honshu. If you are in the area or fancy a trip up north, please come along!
We are waiting for you!
Kodo Distinguished Members to Take the Stage Together at EC!
On Aug. 12, there was a rehearsal for the Shiroyama Concert on the opening night of Earth Celebration, “UMI / OCEAN.” All the Kodo Distinguished Members will join the cast for the performance, too. Did somebody say something about a surprise piece…?!
The cast for “UMI / OCEAN” is all 32 Kodo performers, ranging from the Distinguished Members through to the junior members. It will be the first time for this cast to perform ALL together. Please join us!
“2014 World Taiko Gathering” by Yui Kawamoto
July 18 – 20 Chieko Kojima & Eiichi Saito at
“2014 World Taiko Gathering” (Los Angeles, USA)
This past weekend, we participated in the World Taiko Gathering held in Little Tokyo of Los Angeles.
Left: At the Welcome Reception on the first day. Over 300 particpants enjoy a meal and jam session together.
Right: Presentation about Kodo & Sado Island.
Taiko players from all over the world came together on this wonderful event, and the diversity of bachi bag holders walking around town was a heart-warming sight!
Outdoor events were held day to night; wonderful workshops, informative discussion sessions, and exciting performances created a festive atmosphere.
Left: Eiichi Saito leads a beginner’s taiko workshop
Right: Chieko Kojima leads a dance workshop
“Chieko’s 3-Day Intensive Workshop has Finished!” by Yui Kawamoto
The Los Angeles Taiko Institute (LATI), housed at Asano Taiko U.S., hosted a 3-day intensive workshop led by Chieko Kojima.
Participants were from all over North America including Seattle, Sacramento, Boston, Calgary, Montreal, etc.. Not only did they gain experience in playing Hana Hachijo, but I believe they gained many new friendships within the taiko community.
Thank you Yuta Kato, principal at LATI, for being the assistant/interpreter! And thank you, participants! We hope to see you again somewhere!
Chieko Kojiima, Eiichi Saito “LATI 3-Day Intensive Workshops”
“Rehearsals for ‘TAIKO NATION 2014′” by Yui Kawamoto
This weekend, taiko enthusiasts from all over the world come together in Los Angeles, California, for the World Taiko Gathering.
The Taiko Nation concert is just one of the many exciting events that will be held there, as it features taiko players from several different countries.
Chieko Kojima and Eiichi Saito will participate in this event from Kodo.
On this day, Chieko joined TAIKOPROJECT for their rehearsal on a collaboration piece.
We are all very excited to see how this piece will turn out at the performance!
Presenting the New Online Kodo Photo Gallery
Tomohiro Mitome, Kodo Ensemble Leader
Yuichiro Funabashi, Kodo Deputy Ensemble Leader
Yoshikazu Fujimoto (Distinguished Member)
Chieko Kojima (Distinguished Member)
Yoko Fujimoto (Distinguished Member)
Motofumi Yamaguchi (Distinguished Member)
“The Rock Cave of Heaven” by Chieko Kojima
“The Rock Cave of Heaven” in Barcelona, Spain
February 28, 2014
This is a video of my collaboration with contemporary dancer, Cesc Gelabert. This footage captures my first time performing in a world of contemporary dance. I would like to delve even deeper into this special work.
Public performance of work-in-progress piece “The Rock Cave of Heaven, “ a collaboration between Chieko Kojima and one of Spain’s leading contemporary dancers, Cesc Gelabert.
http://www.kodo.or.jp/news/20140228chieko_en.html
Photos: Rob Ribas
“New Apprentices Start Their First Year at the Kodo Apprentice Centre” by Michiko Chida
The entrance ceremony for the Year 33 (2014-2015) class of Kodo Apprentices was held on April 6 and now one week has passed. They are probably so nervous about beginning this new lifestyle, but all of the 12 new apprentices have been doing well. I will introduce their week of firsts with some pictures.
Dance lesson with Chieko Kojima
Ranjo-san’s shinobue (bamboo flute) making workshop
Taiko lesson with Tomohiro Mitome
(They do not use bachi (drumsticks) in their first lesson: they use Japanese fans and towels.)
Rice field work (Selecting rice seeds)
Standing by the rice fields and singing a song facing out to sea
Kiyoko Oi teaches all the new apprentices how to make chopsticks from one shared bamboo stick